Chapter 4 Vocab Flashcards
Alternating Current (AC)
Electrical current that changes direction in cycles as the electric potential from the source changes.
Automatic Exposure Control (AEC)
A device that uses an ionization chamber to detect the quantity of radiation exposing the patient and image receptor.
Conductor
Material with an abundance of free electrons allowing free flow of electricity
Current
An expression of the flow of electrons in a conductor
Direct Current
A type of electrical current that flows in only one direction.
Electric Potential
The ability to do work because of a separation of charges.
Electrodynamics
The study of electrical charges in motion
Electromagnetic Induction
The phenomenon of a moving conductor through a magnetic field, inducing an electric current in that conductor.
Electromagnetism
The phenomenon of electricity and magnetism existing as two parts of the same basic force, electromotive force. A magnetic field is created by a flow of electricity, and a flow of electricity creates a magnetic field.
Electrostatics
The study of stationary electric charges.
Filament Circuit
Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of a rheostat, a step-down transformer made of tungsten with 1-2% thorium added.
Generators
Device that converts some form of mechanical energy into electrical energy
Insulator
Material with very few free electrons prohibiting the flow of electricity.
Magnetism
The ability of a material to attract iron, cobalt, or nickel.
Motors
A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy through electromagnetic induction
Primary Circuit
Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of the main power switch (connected to the incoming power supply), circuit breakers, the autotransformer, the timer circuit, and the primary side of the step-up transformer.
Resistance
The property of an element in a circuit that resists or impedes the flow of electricity
Secondary Circuit
Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of the secondary side of the step-up transformer, the mA meter, a rectifier bank, and the x-ray tube (except for the filaments.)
Transformers
Device used to increase or decrease voltage (or current) through electromagnetic induction.
